Virtual Private Network (VPN)


The VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a program which allows a host computer in Penn State's network to recognize a computer which is trying to connect to it. Without running the VPN, there is no way to get through Penn State's firewall. The VPN is essentially a communication tunnel that links the two locations and lets you pass information back and forth. There is no need to run the VPN from a lab machine because it is already detected on the network.
There are several features offered by the Architectural Engineering Computer Lab which are only possible through the VPN. These include:
  • Connecting wirelessly in the Engineering Units, Hammond, Sackett, EE West and Reber
  • Connecting to the AE computer lab's network drives from outside of the Penn State network
  • Running programs that need to be authenticated by a license server from outside of the Penn State network (Revit and AutoCAD for example)

The VPN software is freely available at the college VPN site.